When to plant fennel in zone 5b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5B

Growing SeasonZone 5b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Sow May 1 · First harvest Jul 5 · Wrap by Aug 30

Last spring frostMay 15

Direct sowMay 1

First harvestJul 5

Last harvestAug 30

Fall succession sowJul 22

First fall frostSep 30

Why these dates work in zone 5b

Zone 5b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 30 — about 138 frost-free days. Fennel tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jul 22 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does fennel take to grow in zone 5b?

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 5b that means sowing around May 1 and first picking around Jul 5.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 5b?

Yes — fennel tolerates light frost. In zone 5b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 30).

Can I plant a second crop of fennel in zone 5b?

Yes — in zone 5b there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 22 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full fennel growing guide →